Spirituality is potentially present in all people – whether they are religious, agnostics or atheists, but it has a diverse expression in different cultures (and at different times) through different languages, beliefs, etc. For example, in the past in some cultures, ‘hearing voices’ was seen as communication from a deity (Joan of Arc).
Besides, in different cultures (and at different times) the same experiences can be seen either as special gifts or pathological experiences – symptoms of psychotic illnesses and disorders. Till recently, in many cultures, epilepsy was considered a sacred disease and experiences during the epileptic fits were seen as mystical, etc.
In some cultures, altered states of consciousness, trance, etc. are seen as signs of mental problems, while in others these same phenomena are considered to be highly spiritual states. Those. who in the West are referred to as psychics or mediums, in other cultures can be considered healers or shamans who are respected for their ability to enter the ‘other worlds’ and to heal the sick with help from their other world’s connections. Different cultures interpret what is ‘normal’ differently.
Though a natural human predisposition and not a cultural construct, spirituality cannot be identified outside a cultural context, which can either nurture or suppress it. In some cultures, it is more ‘visible’.
‘Visibility’ in cultures implies ‘nurturing’ these experiences, where it would be considered abnormal not to ‘feel’, or ‘see’ the spiritual side of life, in contrast to other cultures suppressing these experiences, conditioned to see only culturally accepted concepts, and labelling any difference as abnormality.
The most striking difference in the interpretation of ‘experiencers’ can be found in the Western diagnostic classification of mental disorders, such as the DSM, where certain diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia, for example, correspond (or are very similar) to the altered states of consciousness that shamans are able to voluntarily achieve when they perform their rituals.
Research into spiritual/religious experiences suggests that there is a tendency to pathologise experiences that people around them do not understand (Tobert 2010) – the medical and psychological pathology interprets hallucinations as ‘inherently abnormal’ and caused by a disease of the mind (Thomas 1997). Thomas (1997) provides evidence that social, economic, political and cultured factors are inextricably linked to the nature of schizophrenia and that it is social factors that have a significant influence on the diagnosis and outcome of schizophrenia, with those living in a non-industrial society having a better outcome. For example, 50% of people with schizophrenia are cured in India and Africa, compared with 25% in Britain and 6% in Denmark.
Furthermore, there is a concerning possibility that the social evolution can have a detrimental impact on the survival of the human species. Adams and his colleagues (2008) have highlighted instances where external pressures, such as propaganda and brainwashing, can lead to the voluntary acceptance of memes (elements of culture or behaviour passed from one individual to another – via imitation) that are not helpful to survival. So, though biologically selected, spirituality can be repressed by socially constructed processes. For example, modern individualist philosophies (as memes), such as focus on material success, have destructive consequences for societies and universal values.
Unfortunately, the modern Western world is often at odds with the natural spirituality of humans. This is due to several factors, including a preoccupation with everyday activities, a lack of time (or desire) to explore spiritual experiences, and social conditioning that dismisses anything that has not been scientifically proven. These restrictions can prevent individuals from fully embracing their spirituality and can have negative consequences for society as a whole.
It is crucial that we recognise the potential harm that social evolution can have on our species and take steps to mitigate these effects. By prioritising the exploration and development of our spirituality, we can create a more harmonious and sustainable society that values universal values over individualistic pursuits.
What are your experiences with spirituality? Share with us in the comments below!